Recent and ongoing studies of cores from the upper Kharaib Formation in Abu Dhabi oilfields are focused on the factors controlling porosity variations. The recent studies have used cores from one particular oilfield, where comparison between crest (oil zone) and flank (water zone) have examined the timing of stylolite growth and resulting calcite cementation. A study of the dense zones enclosing the upper Kharaib reservoir zone is also in progress. A regional study of the same reservoir interval in both onshore and offshore fields is soon starting. This talk will summarize the the various scientific questions being addressed and the potential significance of the work for the oil industry.

Steve has been a professor in the Department of Petroleum Geosciences at the Petroleum Institute since 2013. From 2010-2013, he was the Shell Chair in Carbonate Geosciences at Sultan Qaboos University and had previously enjoyed a long career with Statoil in Stavanger, Norway. His research is focused on understanding the factors controlling reservoir quality in carbonates.